October, I'm ready for you to be over, but happy about all we were able to do this month.
We started out the month riding at the Snakenbergs. That is always a highlight for us.
Eliza was so excited to ride all by herself.
Mariah is getting more and more confident with her riding and I'm proud of her for getting out of her comfort zone. Vivi and I even went for a ride.
The first Friday of the month we went to the temple. I was running late on the way to our session but after a lot of prayers we were able to make it in time! I love how the Lord sees our righteous desires and makes miracles happen.
I loved having JK along for the trip. We talked the whole time and it was so fun. I'm so grateful for her faith and friendship.
And Bethany watched all the kids and made everyone dinner. I made all the kids get dressed up for some family pictures and they were pretty good sports. Bethany looks like she fits right in...we'll take her.
Bethany came home with us to watch General Conference. We watched the Saturday sessions at the church because Chet and Austin had soccer games in Ottumwa. After the session we went to the Snakenbergs to ride horses yet again.
Clay gave Chet some more roping lessons.
And Vivi looked like quite the princess on Rocket with her fancy breast collar. Larry walked her all around the arena. They are too good to us.
Asa thought the horses were so funny. Even Bets got on a horse and was a natural.
This picture accurately captures how Sunday conference went...very relaxing. But we are so grateful to be able to hear the words of the prophets and the guidance they provide.
Vivi finally decided it might be cool to ditch the diapers. After lots of persuasion and "big marshmallows", she earned her unicorn. She has done pretty well and I'm so happy she finally decided to give it a try.
We've had lots of wooly bear homes made around here.
We were able to go on a field trip to an Amish farm and it was so cool. They showed us their goat dairy and bakery and then took the kids on bareback rides and a ride in one of their carriages. They gave everyone cookies and lemonade and just were so kind. It was the highlight of the month for me.
Mariah is still a goat whisperer.
The kids decided they wanted to sleep on the tramp one night. We read scriptures out there and enjoyed the stars.
Vivi lasted about fifteen minutes after we had left, which was longer than I thought she'd last.
But she was thrilled about sleeping in Eliza's bed. Just look at that angel baby!
The other kids slept the whole night out there, but realized I maybe wasn't so crazy about trying to get them to wear sweatshirts and socks. It got a little chilly.
Mariah finished up Volleyball. She learned a lot and had fun with her team. They are such a nice group of girls. The games were usually before Tanner got off work so I got to keep Asa from falling down the bleachers and try to watch Mariah...not the easiest task.
The kids are always begging to have fires and I caved one night. Chet lit the fire with his flint and steel and we all ate way too many hot dogs and marshmallows.
Chet's soccer team was in desperate need of more players so Mariah got to finish out the soccer season. It was fun to watch her and Chet play together again.
There was a night where the parents played against the kids. Tanner was on call so I sat out with his phone and watched the littles...I wasn't too sad about that arrangement.
Asa has perfected his crawl/dribbling technique with the soccer ball.
And Vivi had fun throwing dirt in the air. We all have our talents.
The big kids carved pumpkins and they did it all themselves. I think this is the first year Tanner or I weren't helping. I could get used to this.
Eliza carved a bat and moon
Austin had a bat, jack o' lantern, and mummy on his pumpkin.
Mariah got to carve pumpkins at a birthday party and at home, so she had some practice.
Chet was really good at keeping on eye on his younger siblings and giving them advice.
Vivs made sure she completely coated her pumpkin in paint, and then proceeded to try to wipe it all off. Whatever kept her entertained.
And Asa loved playing in the pumpkin guts. He had an epic meltdown when I finally took him to take a bath, which he usually loves, just not as much as pumpkins apparently.
We had our last soccer games. Mariah and Chet's team had a tough season. They didn't have enough for a 12u team so they had some older players and played against 14u teams. They never had more than one or two subs so they had to work really hard. I was proud of them for never giving up.
Austin loved his season and it was fun to watch his team improve. They did great in the end of year tournament and he's excited for next year.
Tanner took the big kids to their soccer tournament all day Saturday and I stayed home with the younger three and tried to get some housework done. Eliza wanted a picture of everyone in "all black, even Josie!".
We got kittens! Mittens and Moppet, Mariah named them, obviously. They sure are sweet and we're hoping they will catch lots of mice. Our friend Hannah did a great job picking out her best cats for us.
Mariah had her first choir performance and has really enjoyed choir.
We dressed up for our church trunk or treat. Vivi and Asa made a cute Mickey and Minnie. After I had already got Vivi's costume she decided she wanted to be the "princess who makes ice with her hands". Luckily we were able to convince her that Minnie was just as cool and she could be Elsa next year.
Asa started walking this month! He still prefers crawling, but he is starting to walk more and more. I love the big ol' smile he gets on his face as he walks.
Mariah wanted to be a "pretty witch"
Eliza made a great Rey from Star Wars.
Before Vivi decided she wanted to rub off her face paint.
Chet was happy with being a knight again. I think he's at the stage where he is just dressing up so he can get candy.
Austin has been talking about being a ninja for months. Mariah wanted to do a group costume but he wouldn't budge...and I was happy for another year of minimal effort from me in the costume department. We all decided we had enough candy from the trunk or treat so we spent Halloween night at home watching a movie.
